O2's 3G shutdown to cause GBP £13.7m e-waste issue

The impending phase-out of O2's 3G network could result in GBP £13.7 million worth of electronic waste across the United Kingdom as millions of older devices become obsolete.

A recent survey commissioned by Back Market highlights that 40% of British citizens retain old technology due to uncertainty about proper disposal methods, with many devices potentially ending up in landfills or forgotten in storage.

Spearheaded by Back Market, the survey covered a sample of 1,002 UK adults and revealed that every respondent had at least one unused technology device in their home, while more than half (55%) admitted to having three or more. The survey identified smartphones as the most common unused devices, with nearly 72% of participants acknowledging possession of an old phone.

40% of respondents cited a lack of knowledge on responsible disposal as their reason for holding onto outdated tech. Additionally, 51% kept old devices with the hope they might need them in the future.

The survey results underscore concerns surrounding the anticipated e-waste surge following the April commencement of O2's 3G network phase-out. Many "just in case" phones could soon be rendered ineffective.

Despite heightened awareness, the survey suggests a gap in responsible disposal actions. While 85% of Britons recognise the importance of environmentally sound disposal, only 38% choose to recycle their devices. An equal percentage are prone to storing their old electronics, perpetuating a culture of "drawer of doom" rather than recycling or refurbishment.

Highlighting the financial and environmental incentives, 68% of participants indicated a willingness to sell, recycle, refurbish, or trade-in their old devices if they were better informed about potential value.

Luke Forshaw, a spokesperson for Back Market, emphasised the importance of addressing this e-waste challenge, "Most of us have an old phone lying around somewhere, whether it's a backup that never gets used or a relic from years past. But with the UK's 3G network shutting down, many of these devices are about to become completely obsolete. Now's the perfect time to clear out old tech and make sure it's recycled properly."

Forshaw stressed the environmental hazards of binning old phones, "Throwing an old phone in the bin might seem like the quickest solution, but it's the worst thing you can do. Phones contain valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper that can be reused, as well as toxic components that should never end up in landfills. Instead, consider recycling or refurbishing options that ensure these materials are recovered responsibly."

He also noted the potential value in second-hand markets, "Many people don't realise that even old or slightly damaged phones can still hold value. The second-hand tech market is thriving, and if your device is still in working order, it could be refurbished and resold instead of being scrapped. Back Market's trade-in service can help you quickly check what your device is worth."

Forshaw encouraged using certified recycling services, "If your phone is too old or damaged to sell, look for certified recycling programmes. Networks like O2, EE, and Vodafone have take-back schemes, and charities often accept donations of old phones. At Back Market, we work with professional refurbishers who ensure devices are either given a second life or recycled responsibly."

Forshaw advised on the crucial step before disposal, saying, "Before you hand over your phone, make sure you've backed up and wiped all personal data. The easiest way is to do a factory reset, but also remember to remove any SD cards and sign out of accounts like iCloud or Google to protect your privacy."

He urged timely action, "With the 3G network shutting down, millions of old phones will soon be completely useless. If you've been keeping one 'just in case', now's the time to act. Recycling it now means it can still be repurposed or used for spare parts, rather than becoming another piece of electronic waste."

The survey and guidance highlight the pressing need for individual and collective responsibility in managing the UK's e-waste problem while offering potential economic benefits through recycled or repurposed old devices.